The Impact of Psychosexual Counseling in Women With Lichen Sclerosus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: Lichen sclerosus (LS) can affect sexuality and quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of psychosexual counseling in women with LS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-eight women 18 years or older, newly diagnosed with LS, and referred to North Denmark Regional Hospital from January 2018 to November 2019 were included. The women were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to usual care or an intervention group receiving usual care and up to 8 individual consultations with a specialist in sexual counseling. Spouses or partners were encouraged to participate. The women filled out the questionnaires Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Dermatology Life Quality Index, and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS: The controls presented a mean score of 14.8 ± 8.7 and the intervention group presented a mean score of 12.8 ± 8.9 at FSFI. At follow-up, the controls had an FSFI score of 15.2 ± 9.2 and the intervention group revealed an FSFI score of 18.3 ± 9.5. Both groups experienced improved sexual functioning and for the intervention group the increase was significant (p < .001). At baseline, the Dermatology Life Quality Index mean score was 8.9 ± 5.6 for the control group and 9.3 ± 6.1 for the intervention group. At follow-up, the controls revealed a score of 8.6 ± 5.5 and the intervention group a score of 6.8 ± 5.8. The intervention group reached a significantly higher degree of QoL than the controls (p = .008). CONCLUSIONS: Psychosexual counseling has a significant impact on sexual functioning and QoL in women with LS.